Caribbean Resorts - Not All Inclusive

Here’s a selection of handpicked special offers that are currently available in favorite kid-friendly resorts and destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean. Also remember that American citizens do not need a passport to visit Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands (USVI). This page will be updated regularly, so please come back often.

This legendary mega-resort has a state-of-the-art AQUAVENTURE waterpark that's part of a 97-acre "waterscape": visitors find thrill waterslides, large and small kids pool, kiddie waterplay zone, lazy river, lagoon with watersports, shark lagoon, and more. An Atlantis-themed subterranean area, The Dig, is a signature feature. Also at The Atlantis: Lego-themed kids club, Marina Village, and a range of lodgings with plenty of luxury available.

This popular property is on St. John in "America's Caribbean", the USVI ( where no passport is required for US citizens.) This resort has kids club and family activities. Two-thirds of St. John is a National Park; be sure to explore the island. Sign up for outings, or rent a jeep and explore on your own.

This resort near Montego Bay has 1000 feet of shore, plus golf, kids programs, all inclusive plans available, and -- top feature for families-- its own 110,00 sq.ft private water park, with waterslides and lazy river.

This legendary playground of the rich and famous welcomes families and even has a Pineapple Kids Club for ages 3 to 12. Kids menu too. Expect to dress in the evenings. Read about Round Hill for families in a first-hand report at the NYTimes.

The luxury El Conquistador Resort and Golden Door Spa ("El Con") has 500 acres; a water park with waterslides, lazy river, kids' pool; a private island playground, with beach, watersports, cafe; kids club. No passport is needed, for US citizens to travel to Puerto Rico.

This luxury family resort, with kids programs; is one of the few resorts in the British Virgin Islands.

One&Only Resorts are created for the luxury travel market; this one is on Paradise Island, and welcomes families. Kiddie pool; kids programs; and access to The Atlantis mega-resort nearby.

Many properties in the high-end Ritz-Carlton chain are family-friendly, and this one has a special Kids Program, "Ambassadors of the Environment", created by Jean-Michel Cousteau.

This luxury resort on the small Caribbean island of Nevis has programs plenty for kids and teens; this resort often wins a AAA Five-Diamond rating. (Less than 100 of these ratings are given out.) Nevis is a short ferry ride from St. Kitts, and can be reached by plane as well.

Features here include a long sweep of beach, three freeform pools, and a kids club. Families can explore the small island of St. Kitts, with lush rainforest, waterfalls, (inactive) volcano.